Vic Wilson, who has died at his home in Yedingham, near Malton, aged 87, was the county's first professional leader since the great Tom Emmett, and the 11th highest run-scorer in Yorkshire's history.

A strong and powerful left-hand batsman, Wilson replaced Ronnie Burnet as captain in 1960 and helped the club to the championship that summer.

The team finished runners-up to Hampshire in 1961 – Wilson felt he took his eye off the ball that season and was too soft on the players – before regaining the pennant in 1962.

Quiet and modest, Wilson's outward persona belied his inward determination. He gained a reputation as a no-nonsense leader and his team-mates testified to his resolute approach.

"Vic was one of those players you would want in the trenches with you," said Yorkshire legend Ray Illingworth. "He was totally reliable, a man who gave 100 per cent and never gave up fighting.

"If he was beaten by five balls in a row he would lose none of his determination when facing up to the sixth.

"If you have 11 players like Vic Wilson in a team then you will never be a bad side."

Wilson took 520 catches in 477 first class matches for the county – only four Yorkshire players have taken more – and Illingworth paid tribute to the quality of his fielding.

"There were few better close-in fielders," he added. "He had hands the size of shovels and didn't drop many.

"When he went with MCC to Australia and New Zealand in 1954-55, they had him on as a substitute fielder whenever possible, which was a great compliment.

"Basically, Vic was a very good bloke and a fine cricketer, and it's nice when you can say that about someone."

Wilson came from farming stock and learned his cricket at Malton Grammar School. He went on to play for York and Scarborough and made his Yorkshire debut in 1947.

Wilson scored 20,548 first-class runs for the county at 31.66, including 29 centuries. His highest score was 230 against Derbyshire in 1952.

Although chosen for Len Hutton's 1954-55 tour, Wilson never appeared in a Test. Such was his reputation as a fielder, however, he was named 12th man for all five matches.

Wilson leaves a son and a daughter, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His funeral service will be held at Octon Crematorium, East Yorkshire, on Thursday at 1pm. The address will be given by former Yorkshire president Sir Lawrence Byford.